Harvey Keitel

Date of Birth: May 13, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Harvey Keitel is an acclaimed American actor and producer known for his intense and often morally complex characters. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Keitel has enjoyed a prolific career spanning over five decades, marked by collaborations with some of the most influential directors in the film industry. He first rose to prominence in the early 1970s through his work with Martin Scorsese, appearing in seminal films such as “Mean Streets” and “Taxi Driver.” Keitel’s versatility has allowed him to excel in a variety of genres, from crime dramas like “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction,” to more introspective roles in “The Piano” and “Smoke.” In addition to his acting career, he has also ventured into production, contributing to the success of several independent films. Widely respected by peers and critics alike, Keitel has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in “Bugsy.”

5 Interesting Facts about Harvey Keitel

1. Harvey Keitel served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing his acting career.

2. He is fluent in Yiddish and has embraced roles that reflect his Jewish heritage.

3. Keitel co-founded The Actors Studio alongside Al Pacino and Ellen Burstyn, which has been instrumental in nurturing new acting talent.

4. He was initially cast as Captain Willard in “Apocalypse Now” but was replaced by Martin Sheen early in the production.

5. Keitel is known for his collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino, having appeared in “Reservoir Dogs,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “From Dusk Till Dawn.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harvey Keitel

1. “You don’t have to be a total wreck to be interesting. It’s our challenges that make us who we are.”

2. “I don’t want to be famous as a movie star and have the whole world love me; I just want to be a creatively honest human being.”

3. “To create characters, I try to find the common thread that connects me to them.”

4. “The artist is the most interesting part of the art.”

5. “Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Harvey Keitel’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.

Children

Harvey Keitel has three children. His first child, son Hudson, was born in 2001 to his wife, actress Daphna Kastner. He also has a daughter, Stella Keitel, born in 1985 from his previous relationship with actress Lorraine Bracco. Additionally, he has a son named Roman, born in 2004.